hem
word
Definition
The edge of a piece of cloth that has been folded over and sewn down, especially at the bottom of a dress, skirt, pants, or sleeve. "Hem" can also be used as a verb, meaning to sew this edge.
Usage & Nuances
Usually refers to clothing and tailoring. Common collocations: 'let down a hem', 'take up a hem', 'a neat hem'. As a verb: 'to hem a dress'. Do not confuse with the sound 'ahem' (to clear one's throat). Rarely used outside clothing contexts.
Spanish: bajo (de la ropa) - dobladilloPortuguese (BR): barra (de roupa) - bainhaPortuguese (PT): barra (de roupa) - bainhaChinese (Simplified): 衣边 - 下摆Chinese (Traditional): 衣邊 - 下擺Hindi: किनारा (कपड़े का)Arabic: حاشية (الملابس)Bengali: ঘাড় - পাড় (পোশাকের কাটা অংশ)Russian: подол - кайма (одежды)Japanese: 裾Vietnamese: gấu (quần áo) - lên lai (verb)Korean: 단 - 단선 (의류)Turkish: eteği (giysi) - paça (pantolon)Urdu: کنارہ (کپڑے کا) - پٹہ (لباس کا) - حاشیہ (لباس کا)Indonesian: kelim - jahitan tepi (pakaian)
Example Sentences
The dress has a blue hem.
basic
My mother can sew a hem by hand.
basic
The hem of his pants was too long.
basic
Can you hem this skirt for me?
natural
She let down the hem to make the dress longer.
natural
There's a small tear on the hem of your shirt.
natural